Guthrie's goal was the first for Reading since Jimmy Kebe's double back in February

Jimmy Kebe’s double against Sunderland back in February was the last time the Royals had won a game at home.

It was also the last time any Reading player had found the net and for most of this match that run looked like continuing.

After Jay Tabb scored against his old club in the 16th minute, the hosts needed an own goal from Cole Skuse to get back into the game.

And it took a deflection on Guthrie’s long-range effort 15 minutes from time to give them victory on their return to the Championship.

Mick McCarthy brought in ten new faces over the summer after leading the Tractor Boys to safety last term.

He handed debuts to four of them as Ipswich went looking to get their season off to a flyer.

After relegation, Nigel Adkins has had the chance to put his own stamp on the Royals team but opted for a familiar-looking starting line-up.

New signings Royston Drenthe and former England man Wayne Bridge were give their debuts, with young centre-back Sean Morrison handed the skipper’s armband.

Reading looked up for it in the opening exchanges, with former Real Madrid winger Drenthe pulling the strings.

But – just like last season – they struggled to create any real chances.

Despite the loss, Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy thought his team played well

Ipswich’s survival last year depended on a much-improved defence.

But they showed that McCarthy has added some flair to the team.

After going close with their first attack 60 seconds earlier, Tabb met a Carlos Edwards cross on the volley and forced Alex McCarthy into a good save. But some poor defending from Morrison allowed the ball to go straight back to the former Reading man and he made no mistake.

It looked a long way back for the Royals.

But on the stroke of half-time they got lucky when Garath McCleary’s cross was headed past his own keeper by Skuse as Adam Le Fondre threatened.

Despite Reading again dominating possession from the restart, it was Tabb who should have doubled his account 14 minutes after the break but he dragged his shot wide.

Some good link-up play between Drenthe and McCleary then set up Hal Robson-Kanu, only for him to back-heel wide of the post.

David McGoldrick then drew the best out of McCarthy with a stinging drive from distance.

But Drenthe should have taken advantage at the other end when the ball fell to him unmarked at the far post, only for Scott Loach to get down well to save.

Reading needed another slice of luck to eventually take the lead.

“It’s pleasing – we haven’t won on the opening day since 2006”

Nigel Adkins

Nothing looked on when Guthrie picked up the ball 30 yards out but a slight deflection left Loach stranded as the ball looped over him and into the net.

Royals boss Adkins said: “It’s pleasing – we haven’t won on the opening day since 2006.

“We looked strong in the second half and deserved to get the points.”

But opposite number McCarthy said: “I thought we played really well. I asked for a benchmark and if that’s it then that’s a pretty high standard.”